Akai Pro MPK mini mkII - Frequently Asked Questions

The MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes. This article walks through a number of Frequently Asked Questions about the Akai MPK Mini MKII.

Do I need a computer to use the MPK mini MkII?

Yes, the MPK mini is a class-compliant, USB-MIDI keyboard. This means that instead of creating sound on its own, it will send MIDI messages to software on your computer to generate sound and interact with music production software.

What operating systems are supported with the MPK mini MkII?

The Akai MPK mini mkII is supported on the latest operating systems, including Windows 10 and macOS Sierra 10.12. The MPK mini mkII is a class-compliant plug-and-play device that does not require a specific driver installation in order to be functional and will function with all major Windows and Mac operating systems from Windows XP, Vista and 7 to Mac 10.4 and later.

I just bought an MPK mini MKII. Where do I start?

There are a lot of ways that you can use your new MPK mini mkII, so to help you get started, we've gathered all of our tutorial videos, guides, and articles into a single place so you can find the information you need quickly and carve your own path:

Can I use my MPK mini MKII with different software?

Absolutely! The MPK mini MKII is compatible with virtually any DAW or music production software that will work with USB/MIDI keyboards. Setup is often extremely easy, but just in case, we've put together some guides to walk you through setting up and using the keyboard and plugins with some popular DAWs. Check out the link below for an updated list of tutorial videos and guides:

Can I use Hybrid and Wobble with a different DAW?

Yes! These two software titles are separate plugins and can be used in different DAWs like Garageband, Ableton and more. Hybrid and Wobble come with VST, AU and AAX (Pro Tools) versions to be used in your favorite software.

MPC Essentials can also be used as a plugin with your favorite DAW and comes with VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX versions.

Is it powered by USB or wall power supply?

The Akai MPK Mini is USB hub powered. It connects and powers by a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require a wall power supply.

What are the differences between the MPK Mini MKI and MKII?

Some of the major additions and changes to the Akai MPK Mini are:

Features a 4-way Pitch Bend and Modulation joystick. This joystick has three assignable modes, including:

Pitch Bend - Up, down, left and right

Modulation 1 - There is a single CC per axis. The center CC is at 64 and the joystick modulates on the axis of choice.

Modulation 2 - There are two CCs per axis. The center axis is 0 and the endpoint CCs on each axis can be set by the user with the included preset editor.

Connects via standard USB-A to USB-B cable rather than a mini-USB to USB-B cable.

Can I change the default presets?

Yes! There are four built-in presets that can be chosen in the controller. These presets can be edited, adjusted and uploaded to the MPK Mini using the included preset editor. For more information on using the software editor, visit the article below:

How do I make the pads on my MPK mini line up with the pads in MPC Essentials?

Hold down the Prog Select button and press Pad 6 to select Preset 2. The pad will flash to confirm the new preset. This preset is designed specifically for MPC Essentials and will adjust the MPK mini pads so that they line up with the pads in MPC Essentials.

Note: Some older units may not have this preset pre-installed. For instructions on using the editor and loading the preset, see our guide here.

How do I use the included sample content?

For a full walkthrough on using the included sample content with MPC Essentials, check out our walkthrough guide below:

What does the joystick do?

Modulation 1 - There is a single CC per axis. The center CC is at 64 and the joystick modulates on the axis of choice.

Modulation 2 - There are two CCs per axis. The center axis is 0 and the endpoint CCs on each axis can be set by the user with the included preset editor.

What is Full Level?

Pressing the full level button will cause the pads to always send at full velocity. This means that every time you press the pad, the sample will playback at full volume and strength.

Can I use the MPK mini MkII with my iPad or iPhone?

The MPK mini does not have a low power mode to operate with an iOS device, though many users have reported success using a USB hub, preferably a powered USB hub. See our guide herefor more setup advice.

Can I play a sample across the entire keyboard?

This is a software feature, but a lot of software will provide features like this. In MPC Essentials, you can achieve this by using a Keygroup Program. For more information on setting up and using keygroups, check out our guide here.

Can I sync the arpeggiator and note repeat with my DAW?

Absolutely! The clock source for the MPK mini will need to be set to External in order for it to listen to and sync with MIDI clock from your DAW. You can use the MPK mini MkII Editor to change the clock between Internal and External.

Can I use multiple instruments in MPC Essentials?

While MPC Essentials will only allow you to run one track/instrument at a time, you can load it into your favorite DAW software to expand your productions and utilize multiple tracks. Our guide herewalks through a few examples of how you can use this feature.